Illinoise (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(231 Ratings)

Positive

95%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Ambitious, Enchanting, Great staging, Great singing

About the Show

Sufjan Stevens' album comes alive in a musical with a book by Pulitzer-winner Jackie Sibblies Drury.

Sufjan Stevens’ groundbreaking 2005 concept album, Illinois, garnered widespread acclaim, landing on "Best of the Decade" lists by esteemed reviewers like Paste, NPR, and Rolling Stone. Known for its lavish orchestrations and imaginative portrayal of the state’s essence—incorporating UFOs, zombies, and predatory wasps—this album garnered a cult status. Exploring themes of self-discovery and blossoming queerness through cinematic anthems and diverse musical influences, the musically ambitious work is now reimagined through live music and evocative choreography.

Renowned dancer, choreographer, and director Justin Peck, known for his contributions to New York City Ballet and esteemed productions like Carousel and West Side Story, brings his visionary touch to Stevens’ album. Teaming up with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury (known for Fairview and Marys Seacole), this Tony Award-winner crafts a mesmerizing blend of storytelling, theater, dance, and live music. Featuring new renditions of the entire album by composer and pianist Timo Andres, the production spans various musical styles, from DIY folk to indie rock and ambient electronics. This innovative music-theater experience invites audiences on an expansive journey through the American heartland, weaving tales from campfire folklore to the cosmos' farthest reaches.

Show-Score Member Reviews (82)

100

Ambitious, Masterful, Great staging, Exquisite, Absorbing

See it if You want to see a truly beautiful work of art on stage on Bway! Captivating from start to finish! Incredible cast & musicians! Not to miss!!

Don't see it if This piece is outside the box for Bway and deserves its moment to shine! You will be completely moved by the story & Sufjan’s music! GO!!!

Refreshing, Masterful, Clever, Ambitious, Absorbing

See it if You want something fresh and new, a fan of the music, like contemporary dance, like dialog light musicals

Don't see it if Youre not a fan of the album, dont like dance pieces, want a more traditional musical and storytelling, dont like themes of suicide or grief

Refreshing, Exquisite, Great staging, Delightful, Absorbing

See it if you want something different. I wouldn't describe this as a musical but more of a modern ballet to indie music. dancing is wonderful

Don't see it if you don't like dance, are expecting dialog or actors that sing, or are hoping for a traditional musical ... If suicide or cancer is trigger

Creative, Ambitious, Great dancing, Great staging, Absorbing

See it if You are interested in seeing a fascinating mix of dancing, singing and story-telling

Don't see it if You are looking for traditional theater Read more

Requires own interpretation, Enchanting, Moving choreography, Incredible interconnectedness, Unique

See it if you love a nuanced dance collaboration where all of the pieces come alive to make a wonderfully interwoven whole

Don't see it if you don’t like interpreting movement without clear verbal guidance or serious shows told through symbolic movement

Great acting, Great staging, Great singing, Enchanting, Delightful

See it if A stunning ensemble of dancers, musicians&singers performs a sublime dance musical based on Sufjan Stevens'album.Do yourself a favor:See it!

Don't see it if If you don't like indie rock music,those scores&lyrics will make you change your mind.No dialogues;they would probably spoil the magic here.

Great staging, Great singing, Absorbing

See it if Music and dance - no speaking. I loved it - the story line is a group of kids camping at a supposed UFO sighting place. Telling stories.

Don't see it if I wish they had shown some aliens. Wasn't sure I was always understanding the story, but loved it anyway. Beautiful music and dance.

Must see, Great band, Delightful, Great music, Great dancing

See it if you want to see & hear a lovely rock ballet with terrific songs & talented modern dancers doing routines by the NYC Ballet‘s choreographer

Don't see it if you don’t like Sufjan Stevens’s music or modern dance - this is strictly dance vignettes with no dialogue, or if suicide is a trigger Read more